Chapter 125

Night fell, and the Westhaven army descended from the mountain. Carissa and Violet, aware of the troop movement, exchanged glances.

Carissa stood and commanded, “Everyone, stay alert! Weapons at the ready!”

The entire Mystic Army rose, swiftly forming their battle lines with shields and weapons in hand.

The Westhaven soldiers moved rapidly down the mountain in three parallel columns. Torchbearers, one for every ten men, illuminated their descent. The icy mountain made the rapid descent risky; a single slip could trigger a disastrous chain reaction. Yet, they moved with remarkable steadiness, clearly wearing specially designed footwear. Their display of efficiency showcased Westhaven's wealth and power, a stark reminder to the Starhaven soldiers of the disadvantage of large-scale warfare against them.

Soon, ten thousand Westhaven soldiers stood on the field, facing the Mystic Army. Neither side moved.

Barrett charged forward, shouting angrily, "Where have you taken Aurora?"

Liam slowly emerged from the Westhaven ranks, about ten paces from the two armies. Barrett, though rushing to the front of the Mystic Army, didn't dare approach Liam directly.

Liam glanced at Barrett but offered no response. His gaze shifted to Carissa; a complex mix of emotions flickered in his eyes.

"General Sinclair, may we speak privately?" he asked.

Carissa, still holding her Rose Spear, nodded. "Certainly."

Liam sighed deeply, looking at the Rose Spear. "No weapons. But if you're concerned, you may bring another person. I will approach alone."

"Cari, I'll come with you," Violet immediately said.

However, Carissa pointed to Barrett. "You should come with me."

Barrett, initially stunned, quickly nodded. "Alright!" He needed to know Aurora's fate—alive or dead—but was puzzled by Carissa's choice of him over her friend.

Liam approached unarmed, and Carissa gave the Rose Spear to Violet. Barrett hesitated, reluctant to sheathe his sword.

+15 BONUS

"If it comes to fighting, we can begin immediately. With just our two thousand men against their hundred thousand, there's no chance," Carissa said coolly.

Only then did Barrett lower his sword and walk beside Carissa. They reached a point five paces from the opposing armies. The wind howled, making their conversation difficult to overhear except for Violet and Carissa's closest friends.

Liam observed the slender woman before him. Though unarmed, her confidence and dignified presence belied her age—barely twenty. She stood before him without hesitation or caution, exuding grace and composure.

In contrast, Barrett's gaze was sharp, scanning the surroundings with suspicion and caution. Though Liam knew of Barrett, their only previous encounter had been from afar after the Westhaven troops retreated from Victory Pass.

Liam bowed slightly and addressed Carissa. "I am Liam Tudor, the Marshal of Westhaven. General Sinclair, your demeanor reflects the excellence of your lineage. The apple does not fall far from the tree."

His tone was admiring, but his eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions.

Carissa didn't return the bow. She stood silently, her expression cold.

Barrett also didn't bow. Instead, he stared at Liam and demanded, "Where have you taken Aurora? Is she dead or alive?"

Liam glanced at him with disdain. "You're Barrett Warren, once General Sinclair's husband and now Aurora's." He cast a contemptuous look at Barrett.

Feeling the disdain, Barrett's fists clenched in anger. "I only ask you this: is Aurora dead or alive? You have no reason to mistreat or kill prisoners of war!"

Liam's eyes, cold as steel, fixed sharply on Barrett's face. "You have no right to say such things."